Types Of Patio Building Materials

Your patio is an outdoor installation that provides practical space to relax and entertain guests, while also providing a great deal of aesthetic appeal to your yard. There are a wide variety of different materials that can be used to construct a patio, each of which carries a different set of advantages and disadvantages. Understanding what each building material has to offer your patio can help you choose the one that best suits your patio needs.

Concrete

Concrete is one of the most common types of patio building materials on the market, largely due to its easy installation and low price point. Since concrete is poured, and not laid down like other building materials, there is much greater potential for customization and non-linear shapes when designing your patio. Furthermore, concrete can be etched and stained with acid in order to alter the color and pattern of your patio, providing you with even more design options. However, one of the main downsides of concrete patios is the fact that they are susceptible to damage due to temperature fluctuations, which can make them less than ideal in colder climates. Also, as there are no gaps in concrete patios, drainage and water damage can be an issue, though proper installation can help prevent any water related issues. Finally, it should be noted that repairs to concrete patios can be more expensive, as the entire surface needs to be replaced.

Brick

Brick provides a natural and old-school aesthetic to your patio. Bricks are also fairly easy to install, as individual bricks are lightweight and do not require mortar to be put into place. This means that, if you want, you can install a brick patio yourself to save money on labor costs. Further, because bricks are installed in individual parts, any damage that occurs to your patio can be easily and cheaply replaced by simply removing and replacing the damaged bricks in question. However, it should be noted that bricks are not quite as durable as concrete is, which means that they may be more susceptible to physical damage. Further, they are also quite vulnerable to temperature fluctuation damage, making them a poor choice for cold climates as well.

Flagstone

Flagstone basically refers to any large pieces of natural stone, which are then bound together with mortar or grout. They come in a wide variety of natural colors, ranging from grey to red, and provide a highly luxurious appearance to your patio. Most types of natural stone are resistant to temperature fluctuations and physical damage, which can help prevent patio damage in the long run. However, it should be noted that flagstone needs to be sealed semi-regularly to ensure that it maintains its durability and color, as water and sun exposure can degrade flagstone over time. This drives up long run costs when compared to other types of patio building materials.

Constructing a new home can be a rewarding experience, but it also tends to be a pretty stressful time as well. There are a myriad of aspects to think about and keep track of. Who will design and plan your home? Who will do the actual construction? How will the home and landscape be designed once everything is built? And if you're like most people, you probably wonder how you'll incorporate all of the features you want in your home without breaking the bank. This blog is designed to provide people just like you with tips and tricks of the construction trade so your new home build goes smoothly and gets completed on budget. You may even get a few design and structure ideas here too!